The Elliott-Patchett Nature Preserve is located on 34 acres of land located in Vernon Township, Shiawassee County, Michigan. It was generously donated in 2011 by Larry Elliott and his wife, Peggy. “I want to keep the land preserved and a welcoming place,” he said. “I hope that school groups will take kids out and show them what Michigan woods look like. In the spring it has tons of wildflowers and all kinds of nice things.” The preserve provides excellent access to the Shiawassee River for fishing, which local fishermen have done for generations.

With the donation of that property to the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, Larry, his wife Peggy and their children are hoping that the Elliott-Patchett Nature Preserve will offer others the enjoyment and wonder that he found in roaming the area as a child.

“I want to keep the land preserved and a welcoming place,” he said. “I hope that school groups will take kids out and show them what Michigan woods look like. In the spring it has tons of wildflowers and all kinds of nice things.”

The land, which slopes down to the river, is made up of three ecosystems. The main part of land is an old wood lot, which was used by the family whenever wood was needed at their farm. The next piece, which had been cleared at one time for farming, now supports all types of pine trees, planted by Elliott's father, L. Arthur Elliott. The third piece, used mainly as an access road for both humans and cattle, was also the family's source for gravel.

How to get to Elliot-Patchett Nature Preserve:

To visit the preserve, take the exit for M-71 to Vernon off I-69. Turn right on Vernon Road off M-71 and look for the preserve sign on the left after passing Goodall Road. Park off the road near the sign on the north edge of the farm field. You can access the preserve and the river via a 100’ wide access easement that runs east-west on the north side of the farm field.

Recreational opportunities include hiking, wildlife observation, and fishing.